Dolphins' Rey Maualuga believes he's game ready

DAVIE, Fla. -- If it was up to Rey Maualuga, there would not be any question as to whether he would be the Miami Dolphins’ starting middle linebacker in the regular season opener against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But Maualuga's status for Sunday remains unknown.

Maualuga practiced on Monday and that is expected to continue throughout the week. After signing with the Dolphins two weeks ago, he needed to get in football shape. Maualuga was unable to play in last week’s preseason finale.

However, the nine-year linebacker said he is optimistic about his chances to play in some capacity against the Buccaneers.

“I feel great,” Maualuga said. “Now, I’m just going to keep doing what I need to do to…